SWEP Special Program 2024

The City of East Orange is actively seeking proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for its SWEP Special Program 2024, designed to provide comprehensive summer programming for high school students aged 14-18 within the city. This vital initiative, operating for six weeks at 20 hours per week from June 24 to August 2, 2024, aims to offer interactive programming and ensure equitable access for all student residents. The extensive scope of work encompasses diverse educational and developmental areas including entrepreneurship, cosmetology, barbering, graphic design, mental health and wellness, social justice and law advocacy, public health research, and film production. The successful contractor will be responsible for fostering a safe and nurturing learning environment, promoting community engagement, and providing critical life skills training such as financial literacy and work-ready competencies to aid students in developing successful work histories. Prospective contractors must demonstrate robust qualifications, including extensive, well-documented experience in the creation, operation, and management of youth programming, specifically those involving skill development, training, mentorship, and youth-led initiatives. A minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in creating, operating, and managing youth educational programs of comparable type and scope to those described in this RFP is a mandatory requirement. Furthermore, respondents must possess a strong organizational structure and sufficient staff capacity to manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring that all staff in specialized programming areas are appropriately certified and licensed where required. While no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits are specified, all Professional Service Contractors must adhere to New Jersey’s statutory requirements including Affirmative Action (N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq., N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.), Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Stockholder Disclosure (N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2), and possess a valid N.J. Business Registration Certificate. Sealed RFP responses are due to the City of East Orange no later than Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Submissions must be delivered to the Municipal Council Chamber located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Each submittal package must be clearly marked "SWEP SPECIAL PROGRAM 2024" and include one (1) original, three (3) copies, and one (1) USB. Proposals must be presented exclusively on the provided Proposal Forms. For those picking up RFP packets on-site, a non-refundable fee of $25.00, payable to the City of East Orange, is required to cover printing and administrative costs. Bidders must also submit a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Disclosure of Ownership Form, Insurance Requirement Acknowledgement Form, EEO/Affirmative Action Compliance Notice, Mandatory Equal Employment Opportunity Notice Acknowledgment, Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 form, Certificate of Employee Information Report, and a N.J. Business Registration Certificate, among other documents detailed in the checklist. All proposals will remain firm for a period of sixty (60) days following the submission date. For any questions regarding this solicitation, interested parties should contact Racquel C. Ferguson, Purchasing Agent, at (973) 266-5162.